City Council Agenda Report
Meeting Date: February 3, 2026
From: Robert Sousa, Chief of Police
Department: Police
Submitted by: Gustavo Herrera, Lieutenant - Services Division Subject
Police Department Vehicle Purchases
Recommendation
A. Approve and authorize issuance of a Purchase Order to Unplugged Performance for the purchase of two (2) fully equipped Tesla Model Y patrol vehicles for a total amount not-to-exceed $173,862; and
B. Authorize a contingency amount of ten (10%) percent or $17,386, for pricing fluctuations and grant authority to the City Administrator to issue a Change Order for an amount up to the contingency amount, if necessary.
Background
The Vernon Police Department (VPD) conducts an annual assessment of the patrol vehicle fleet to identify vehicle(s) in need of replacement end ensure the fleet adequately meets the operational demands of the Department. The evaluation considers the useful life of vehicles and equipment in terms of age, mileage, and usage. The vehicles are also reviewed and analyzed for safety history and operating performance to determine if it is appropriate to replace a vehicle or piece of equipment at a later date. After careful evaluation, one patrol vehicle has been identified for replacement. In addition, the VPD is in the process of implementing a new K9 Program, and a new K9-equipped patrol vehicle will be necessary to support the program.
Due to national supply issues, which have created a shortage of standard internal combustion engine police vehicles, VPD elected to explore available electric police vehicles. After reviewing research conducted by police agencies throughout the nation, including the Anaheim and South Pasadena Police Departments, VPD has selected to purchase the Tesla Model Y.
Several factors were considered when selecting the Tesla Model Y over other available electric vehicles (EVs). Since 2003, Tesla has evolved and emerged as the all-electric EV market leader with safe, mature products with advanced technology. Safety, reliability, and performance are critical elements of successful public safety fleet operations. The Tesla Model Y proposed for patrol operations outperforms existing vehicle options, both electric and gas-powered, in all relevant metrics. In addition, the Tesla Model Y is the only pursuit-rated electric vehicle and is the safest vehicle ever crash-tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It received a 5-star rating in all categories and sub-categories by the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA).
In 2024, VPD and City staff inspected Tesla vehicles enroute to the South Pasadena Police Department. The Tesla Model Y vehicles had advanced features, including rapid acceleration, ample storage capacity, affordability, and low maintenance requirements, all of which are integral to police operations. With state-of-the-art technology and safety features, in addition to the supercharging network plans throughout the City, these electric vehicles would enable officers to respond swiftly to incidents and effectively engage with the community. Subsequently, the VPD purchased two Model Y Tesla patrol vehicles as part of a pilot program. To date, the Tesla patrol vehicles have been road tested on patrol and proven to be safe, reliable, and their performance has exceeded expectations. VPD staff have praised the performance and comfort of the Model Y Tesla patrol vehicles.
Furthermore, the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Fleet Rule 1191 mandates public fleet operators to procure low-emitting gasoline or alternative-fuel vehicles when adding or replacing vehicles to their vehicle fleet. Vehicles must be replaced with newer, lower or zero-emission vehicles such as electric, compressed natural gas (CNG), hybrid, or gasoline vehicles rated LEV or better. In addition to SCAQMD’s Rule 1191, the California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) Advanced Clean Fleet regulation mandates public fleet operators to procure a certain percentage of zero-emissions vehicles when adding or replacing fleet vehicles. Fleet electrification is also in alignment with the City’s goal to reduce greenhouse gases and demonstrates the feasibility of newer technology in work settings to the public.
As such, the VPD is proposing to replace the needed patrol vehicle that was an internal combustion engine with a battery electric vehicle. This vehicle will serve as an additional vehicle in a pilot program, providing VPD with the opportunity to further test the Tesla Model Y as a patrol vehicle. This will ensure that the agency is equipped with sufficient police vehicles to properly serve the community. Throughout the pilot program, VPD officers will closely monitor the performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness of the Model Y in various operational settings.
Data collected during this period will help guide future decisions regarding the integration of electric vehicles into the Department’s fleet.
The VPD conducted additional research to identify a vehicle suitable for the new K9 program.
South Pasadena PD was identified as having a Tesla Model Y K9 patrol vehicle, and they allowed VPD to inspect and test their Tesla K9 patrol vehicle. When comparing the Model Y Tesla K9 vehicle to the Ford Explorer and Chevrolet Tahoe K9 vehicles, the Model Y has more cubic space within the rear seat area for the K9 dog, and the Model Y sits lower to the ground, thus making it safer for the K9 dog to enter and exit the vehicle. The Model Y K9 vehicle also has a “Dog Mode” feature that no other combustion engine vehicle offers. The “Dog Mode” feature is a climate control feature designed to maintain a preset cabin temperature to keep pets safe and comfortable when left alone in the vehicle. The VPD has selected the Model Y Tesla vehicle for its new K9 program and is proposing to purchase a Model Y Tesla patrol vehicle that will be custom-built and equipped as a K9 vehicle.
Typically, purchases of City fleet vehicles are facilitated through a Sourcewell cooperative buying contract. However, due to limited police vehicle inventory, the VPD has been unable to secure vehicles through National Fleet Auto Group, a Sourcewell-based contract. In addition, National Auto Fleet Group does not offer Tesla vehicles as a vehicle purchase option. Unplugged Performance is the sole source contracted emergency vehicle outfitter of Tesla Inc, and they currently have two demonstration Tesla Model Y vehicles that have been offered to the VPD at a discounted price. Both demonstration Model Y Tesla vehicles have been inspected and are already custom-built as patrol vehicles. One of the Model Y vehicles will have the rear compartment area outfitted as a custom-built K9 vehicle. Pursuant to Vernon Municipal Code (VMC) Section 3.32.110(A)(2), the proposed purchase of two fully equipped emergency vehicles is exempt from competitive bidding as Unplugged Performance Inc. is the sole outfitter of custombuilt Tesla emergency vehicles and the vehicles would be purchased directly from Unplugged Performance.
Per VMC 3.32.030(B), City Council approval is required if, in the twelve (12) months preceding the effective date of a proposed new, renewed, or otherwise amended contract, the City has paid or awarded the vendor more than $100,000. Within the past twelve (12) months, the City has paid or awarded Unplugged Performance a total of approximately $126,662.34 in contracts.
The VPD budgeted $135,000 for the purchase of one new patrol vehicle for Fiscal Year 2025-
26. The Department will use asset forfeiture funds (Equipment) at an estimated cost of approximately $56,248 to pay the remaining balance of the purchase for the two vehicles and equipment.
The quote from Unplugged Performance including the terms and conditions for the vehicle purchases and upfitting agreement have been reviewed by the Finance Department and approved as to form by the City Attorney’s Office.
Fiscal Impact
The fiscal impact is not-to-exceed $191,248 including a 10% contingency if necessary. Sufficient funds are available in General Fund, Police, Capital Equipment - Auto Account No. 011-030-300- 660010 in the amount of $85,000, General Fund, Police, Capital Equipment - Non Auto Account No. 011-030-300-660015 in the amount of $50,000, Asset Forfeiture - Fed Justice Fund, Police, Vehicle Expense Account No. 011-795-300-527, Project No. PD00116002-6060-6130 in the amount of $56,248, including 10% contingency, for the current fiscal year.
Attachments
1. Unplugged Performance Quote #5603